Holloman AFB wing inspected using Air Force’s new program

Airmen from every specialty completed a four-day deployment exercise Aug. 20, here, as part of the Air Force's Commander's Inspection Program.

Air Force’s CIP was rolled out 2013 and specifically focuses on the bases' ability to rapidly deploy combat-ready Airmen and equipment worldwide. It’s designed to test a unit's ability to accomplish the mission with little warning, and provides timely constructive feedback on areas of excellence, or areas that need improvement.

Lt. Col. Cory Bennett, the 49th Wing Inspector General, created the exercise scenarios and managed the 190 inspectors that were charged with ensuring the base is ready to meet the mission head-on, 24/7.

"To successfully execute and sustain the new inspection system, all Airmen must mentally shift away from the outdated "Cold War" inspection process,” Bennett said. “The previous system was ridged and inflexible. The new inspection process allows commanders the flexibility to shape the exercise based on objectives they set forth."

The CIP differs from traditional exercises or inspections by being an ongoing process that is always evaluating the bases performance, and capabilities.

To safely deploy 169 combat ready personnel and equipment takes the efforts of every Holloman Air Force Base Airman, both active-duty and civilian. Bill Guthrie, the installation deployment officer and the man responsible for coordinating the base's response, understands this more than anyone.

"We ensure our Airmen and their equipment reach their deployed location on time, every time," Guthrie said. "The process of moving cargo and personnel during a mass deployment differs greatly from what we do day to day, and without the support and teamwork we receive, we wouldn't be able to get the mission done."

Guthrie leads a team of 90 Airmen who manages the deployment process and ensures the right people are sent, at the right time, and with the right equipment to locations worldwide.

In total, Holloman AFB successfully processed approximately 300 tons of cargo which included everything from shower units and aircraft parts, to medical supplies and ammunition. Moving that much cargo is no small feat and it falls to the Holloman AFB’s Installation Deployment Readiness Center to make it happen.

Master Sgt. David Loera, the IDRC superintendent said, "From cradle to grave, our team ensures our customers receive the right equipment, when they need it, to accomplish the U.S. Central Command's mission."

A few more exercises are expected in the coming months, but with scenarios focused on areas highlighted during this and previous training events.

"Gone are the days of focusing on deploying the entire wing," Bennett said. "Our focus now is flexibility; we can deploy in large numbers or in small groups to support efforts around the globe. The wing commander fully understands and supports our deployment mission. He is focused on ensuring every Airman that deploys from Holloman is properly trained and equipped to complete the mission and safely return home."